melzer

Seeing Red (Pic Spam)

August 30, 2011 By jennifer 3 Comments

Apparently the fashion gods have decreed that nothing says US Open like a whole bunch of RED. Red colored kits have by far been the most popular among the men, especially among the Adidas set.

I often wonder what the thought process is behind the choice of certain colors. In this case, I’m thinking it went something like this: “Hmmm, US Open is played in New York City. NYC is known as the Big Apple. I know! Let’s dress everyone in like big red apples!”

People normally wear red to stand out in the crowd. But when EVERYONE is dressed in red (I have counted 13 so far. In addition to who is pictured here, Dolgolopov, Falla, Troicki, Mayer, Lu, de Bakker, Nalbandian, and Verdasco were all in red. Did I miss anyone?), it kind of loses its effect.

Besides, it’s not as if red has the best connotations. Sure, it can indicate fire and power. But “red shirts” are known as characters in a science fiction or adventure stories (think LOST) whose sole dramatic purpose is to get killed by the story’s villain and/or intinerant monster. In other words, they are “cannon fodder.” Does any professional athlete who plays in an individual sport really want to characterize himself as doomed cannon fodder?

Or perhaps I’m in the minority on this one. I have never claimed to be a fashion plate. What do you guys think? Loving the red? Or does seeing this sea of red make you see red?

(Pics via Getty Images & AP)

Filed Under: Pic Spam Tagged With: bellucci, blake, giraldo, gulbis, melzer, us open

Awkward…

May 31, 2011 By jennifer Leave a Comment

There are many great pictures from Roland Garros. Awesome shot making, emotional celebrations, memorable moments. And then, there are the photos that are, um, none of these…

That looks painful. And gravity defying

WAIT, BALL! WAIT FOR ME!!!

The shots before or after this I’m sure are fine, but this is a prime example of when shirt changes are not hot. And not because it’s Jurgen. On or off, please

Gives a whole new meaning to face shot. Poor Ferru

Most of the time, sweaty, shirtless Rafa is hot. This is not one of those times

Eyebrows is nothing if not CLASSY!

This one is actually not awkward at all, just a visual balm for your poor eyes after the last one

KISS HIM!!!

(Pics via Getty Images, AP, & Reuters)

Filed Under: Pic Spam Tagged With: bryan brothers, del potro, djokovic, ferrer, fognini, french open, melzer, nadal, troicki

Context is Everything: Melzer Never Dissed Ferrer

April 22, 2011 By jennifer 2 Comments

Jurgen Melzer lost to David Ferrer for the second week in a row in Barcelona today. Before their semifinal match last week in Monte Carlo, the media made a big deal about Jojo saying he “killed” Ferru the last time he had played. BBC Sport reported that the exact quote was:

In Paris last year I killed him on clay and hopefully that result is still in the back of his mind

That’s the kind of controversial smack talk that the press loves. Not surprisingly it traveled fast. Even I quoted it. One problem, Melzer NEVER said that. Skip to 3:44 below for his actual answer.

As you can clearly hear for youself, Melzer said:

He’s a very good claycourt player, but I won the last 2 matches against him so I’m going in very confident, uh, especially the one at Roland Garros last year helps a little bit too. Physically I killed him in 3, and that was, that was, it helps the confidence going into such a match. I mean, obviously I can lose tomorrow, this is, no doubt he’s an unbelievable clay court player, but it’s always nice to have won the last encounter you’ve played. but going into tomorrow I’m confident, I’m trying my best. We’ll see what’s going to happen.

Does that sound like smack talk to you? When Melzer said he “killed” Ferrer, he was just stating what happened in the match succinctly; he won 6-4, 6-0, 7-6(1). He also, in fact, never said anything about hoping that the Roland Garros result was still in the back of Ferrer’s mind. Of course, that does not make a good story, does it BBC?

Now, you cannot blame people who read the quote in BBC Sport for believing that Melzer said that. You would think that “legit” media are supposed to report (and check) facts and all that, no?

Lesson learned, if you have not heard and seen a player say something yourself, do not be quick to assume that it actually was said.

Thanks to @FarrowHarvey for pointing out the discrepancy. The first time I watched this video, I stopped after Jojo said “cocky.” The way he says it is funny and that’s my maturity level… #Clicketyclack

(Video via http://www.tennisworlditalia.com/)

Filed Under: Video Vault Tagged With: atp, melzer, tennis

Ferru vs. Jojo: Now That’s a Semifinal

April 15, 2011 By jennifer 1 Comment

Ferrer had no problems beating Viktor Troicki 6-3, 6-3 to get to the semifinals in Monte Carlo. Daveed has looked solid all week, and I would expect more of the same dirt-ballin’ prowess from him in his next match.

Ferru will face Jurgen “I Do So Deserve to Be in The Top 10, Haters!” Melzer, who was too strong for Federer today, winning in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4.

Now do not go thinking that Jurgen just had one good match against Fed who sucks on clay anyways and pencil Ferru into the final. Not yet people, Jojo has his game face on. Regarding playing Daveed, he said to to BBC Sport:

“In Paris last year I killed him on clay and hopefully that result is still in the back of his mind…After beating Roger Federer there is nothing I can’t do.”

I killed him on clay? Them be fighting words, Jojo. True, he did win in Roland Garros in straights, even dishing out a bagel in the 2nd set (the final score was 6-4, 6-0, 7-6(1)). Hope you’re listening to him, Ferru. Sounds like Jojo fully plans on bringing it.

(Pics via Getty Images. Thanks to @CraigHickman for tweeting the link to the BBC article.)

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: atp, ferrer, melzer, monte carlo, tennis

Charity Soccer Match for Japan Uncovered (video)

March 30, 2011 By jennifer Leave a Comment

Adorable interviews with Novak, Jurgen, Kei, Marcos and more from the charity soccer match for Japan.

(Video via ATP World Tour)

Filed Under: Video Vault Tagged With: atp, baghdatis, djokovic, lopez, melzer, murray, nishikori, tennis, troicki, verdasco

Charity Soccer Match for Japan Pic Spam

March 24, 2011 By jennifer Leave a Comment

I hope you were lucky enough last night to watch the stream of the charity soccer match for Japan last night. Yes, the stream was only two inches big, but the commentator was hands down the most unintentionally hilarious commie I have ever had the privilege to listen to. He did not let the fact that he only knew Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic’s names stop him from calling the action. Nope, he just called everyone Novak or Andy. Ferru was Novak, Dolgo was Andy, even Jo was Novak. JO WILLY TSONGA. Sigh…

Needless to say the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers kicked the tennis pro’s collective asses 5-2. Not that it was a fair fight, because the tennis guys did not want to get injured. Highlights of the match were Fer and Muzz miserably failing to score goals, but the best moment was when a very giggly Marcos Baghdatis was fouled and scored the Tennis All-Stars first goal on a penalty kick. It was totally adorable and will probably result in Baggy losing his first round match due to said foul. But hey, it was all for charity, folks.

Here are some pictorial highlights of the match for you viewing pleasure:

Failed hi-five: check. Frizzy fro: check. Never change, Muzz, never change.

Check out the guy in red’s face. It totally says it all…yikes

Ferru’s mane blowing in the breeze

Is this proper footie technique or as painful as it looks?

Melzer was there. I’m only including this pic for Josh. You’re welcome

Why no tongue action when you play tennis, Nole? Now I feel deprived

Isn’t Rafa too young for high-waisted shorts?

Why does Jo look like a lumbering old man?

I will leave you with sweaty Ferru, Feli, and Vik. Though can someone explain to me why Feli is holding sunglasses? Who does he think he is, Corey Hart?

(Pics via AFP & Getty Images)?

Filed Under: Pic Spam Tagged With: atp, djokovic, ferrer, lopez, melzer, nadal, tennis, troicki, verdasco

The Good News From Day 6

January 22, 2011 By jennifer Leave a Comment

Despite my earlier rantings, it was not all doom and gloom at the Australian Open. Much happiness and rainbows all around. Ferru streamrolled past Berankis 6-2, 6-2, 6-1.

Canadian Milos Raonic had a huge win, upsetting Youzhny 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4. Welcome to the big boys, kiddo

Jurgen got past a worn out Baggy 6-7, 6-2, 6-1, 4-3 (ret.). Not only does this look like the start of a beautiful bromance, Melzer is will be a top 10 player. Screw the youngins, some players age like fine wine.